This is the second joint DSA-NEA Workshop on the topic of Radiological Protection During Armed Conflict. 

The Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA) is financing the work of the Task Group on Radiological Protection During Armed Conflict (TGRPAC) of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA). During the first DSA-NEA workshop on Radiological Protection During Armed Conflict: Improving Regulatory and Operational Resilience, held in Oslo, Norway in November 2023, discussions made it clear that existing international standards and national radiological protection frameworks are not designed for situations of armed conflict or prolonged disruption, a conclusion captured in the workshop’s recommendations. Since then, developments in Ukraine and other conflicts have further highlighted the need for radiological protection arrangements that can maintain safe conditions, preserve essential safety functions, and remain effective under conditions of threat, occupation, or prolonged disruption. In response, the NEA Task Group on Radiological Protection During Armed Conflict (TGRPAC) has become the central forum for addressing these challenges and revisiting assumptions underpinning current norms. 

A four-day workshop, to be organised in Oslo, Norway, on 1-4 December 2026, will assess progress made since 2023, draw on experience from Ukraine and other conflict settings, and convene international experts and partners to support the further development of practical guidance for radiological protection during armed conflict and prolonged disruption. The workshop is co-organised by the DSA and NEA and is also supported by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), Task Group 120, which focuses on radiological emergencies and malicious events.

This workshop will consolidate lessons learnt from the past three years and assess how, and to what extent, regulatory frameworks and standards for radiological protection can be implemented.  The event will address emerging and evolving scenarios of armed conflict and global disruption, and will advance the preparation of recommendations to improve radiological protection during armed conflict.

Building up on the core themes identified during the 2023 event while integrating new realities, ongoing fieldwork and feedback from key consultations held throughout 2024–2025, the 2026 workshop aims to reflect the operational needs, radiological protection regulatory challenges and strategic concerns arising from conflict-affected and disrupted environments, drawing lessons from Ukraine and beyond. The workshop will include plenary sessions, case-studies and tabletop exercises to ensure meaningful knowledge exchange, resulting in actionable outcomes. Six thematic pillars will guide the discussions:

1. Operational Challenges of National Instruments and Radiological Protection Standards;
2. Emergency Preparedness and Recovery Under Wartime Constraints;
3. Nuclear Facilities and Energy Infrastructure Under Military Threat;
4. Medical Radiological Protection in Conflict and Post-Conflict Areas;
5. Safety Culture and the Human Factor in Disrupted Environments; and
6. Recovery and Resilience in Radiological Protection the Aftermath of Conflict.

Participants interested in contributing to the workshop programme can signal their interest by completing the expression of interest form.

The NEA and DSA are collecting expressions of interest from participants who may wish to contribute to the programme of the workshop. Proposed contributions may include presentations, case studies, national or regulatory experiences on radiological protection, operational lessons, or inputs to panel or tabletop discussions. Submissions will be reviewed by the organisers and Programme Committee in light of the workshop objectives and thematic sessions.

Please note that submitting a proposal does not guarantee inclusion in the final programme. Only selected submissions will be included in the programme and will allow free of charge participation in the workshop.

The event will take place from 1 to 4 December 2026 at the Clarion Hotel, Oslo, Norway. 

There is a registration fee of €200 per participant. A reduced fee of €100 will be available for students, retirees and unemployed individuals. In exceptional cases, a waiver may be considered. (This is determined on a case‑by‑case basis).

The fee includes:

• Participation in the workshop;
• Access to workshop materials;
• Catering during the workshop (coffee breaks and lunches); and,
• Evening reception.

Please note that attendance is limited to 150 participants. Early registration is strongly encouraged to participate in and contribute to the relevant Working Groups.

Registration is open using this link and will be closed on 31 October 2026. The registration fee must be paid by 10 November 2026 to secure participation. 

• The deadline for cancellation with refund is 10 November 2026. 
• If you require a visa to enter Norway, please ensure you register by 20 September 2026 to allow adequate time for the preparation of invitation letters. Please note that visa procedures are to be handled individually by the participant, and the NEA is not responsible for visa procedures.

The workshop will be conducted in English, with no interpretation provided.

A preliminary workshop programme is expected to be published in July 2026.

For more information on this workshop, please contact NEA-DSA-RPWS2026@oecd-nea.org

Cover image by Alex Von Gutthenbach Lindau from Pixabay